Unable to Reach an IP Address

If host name resolution occurs successfully, the problem might lie elsewhere. In this case, the problem might be simply a matter of correcting the IP configuration rather than examining the name resolution process.

TCP/IP troubleshooting generally follows a set pattern. In general, first verify that the problem computer's TCP/IP configuration is correct, and then verify that a connection and a route exist between the computer and destination host by using Ping, as described in "Testing Network Connection with Ping and PathPing" later in this chapter.

Compile a list of what works and what doesn't work, and then study the list to help isolate the failure. If link reliability is in question, try a large number of pings of various sizes at different times of the day, and plot the success rate or use the PathPing utility. When all else fails, use a protocol analyzer such as Microsoft Network Monitor.